Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pride" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pride", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
誇り
ほこり (hokori)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
自慢
じまん (jiman)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pride" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 誇り and 自慢.
In Japanese, 誇り (ほこり (hokori)) is typically associated with "pride, boast" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents This word refers to a feeling of pride or honor, often for one's achievements, group, or country. It can be a positive sense of dignity..
On the other hand, 自慢 (じまん (jiman)) maps to "pride, boast, brag" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can be used positively to express pride in one's own or something related to oneself, or negatively to describe excessive boasting.. A literal translation of "pride" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "誇り"
彼は自分の仕事に誇りを持っている。
He takes pride in his work.
Bilingual Context for "自慢"
彼はいつも自分の車の性能を自慢している。
He is always boasting about the performance of his car.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は自分の仕事に ＿＿＿ を持っている。" (Meaning: "He takes pride in his work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "誇り" fits here because it means "pride, boast" in the context of: "He takes pride in his work.". "自慢" represents "pride, boast, brag".